The roads we take

There were so many things that I wanted to learn during my time working as an extern. I suppose our hospital doesn't do the extern program like so many other hospitals do; this being said because we don't get to follow the RN around most of the time.. instead we are utilized as UC/CNAs (as they call them here). Yet, I think that this experience has given me the most useful lessons of all. No, I may not be passing meds or doing procedures that I have done in school or in clinicals. But I have realized what it takes to be successful at time management, patient care management within my scope of practice on the floors and in the unit, how NOT to treat other people, and definitely HOW to treat your supportive staff.

Perhaps some nurses forget that they too were once in our positions... low (wo)man on the totem pole. Who said that dirty work was only for those who did not have a degree? The best nurses I have had the opportunity to work with have been the ones who get out there and get dirty with the rest of us. Teamwork goes a long way; farther than just simply getting your work done faster. Sure, I know when I graduate, I will have new roads to conquer... new battles to fight. But I vow not to forget the road I have taken to make it there.